Einar H. Pedersen

1939 - 2016

Einar H. Pedersen

Einar Harvey Pedersen, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle

and friend passed away peacefully on December 16, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones at home, his favorite place. He was 77 years old.

Einar, or "Bestafar" to his three grandchildren, was a kind, loving, generous, funny, optimistic man with a heartwarming smile, who was a stellar role model for working hard while enjoying life to the fullest.

Born in Seattle, Washington on June 20, 1939 to Norwegian immigrants Einar and Herbjorg, he graduated from Ballard High School in 1957 and remained lifelong friends with dozens of his classmates. While attending the University of Washington, he served as a reservist in the United States Coast Guard and worked summer vacations fishing the Bering Sea.

Einar married Emma May Helgeson in 1967, and they embarked upon the joyful journey of raising three children and giving them many wonderful life experiences. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, serving as Cub Scout leader, coaching their baseball and basketball teams, taking them on road trips and ski trips, and attending countless football, basketball and baseball games.

Einar had a passion for snow skiing. He enjoyed years of skiing with friends and family who also loved the outdoors. As the co-founder of Olympic Ski School, his family spent many years on the slopes at Steven's Pass. In his early 20's he bought a little ski shop and moved it to Market Street in Ballard. That little store, which he named Olympic Sports, grew over 38 years into a full-service, all-season, regional sporting goods chain. Einar was so proud of the store's large annual ski sale, known to winter-sports enthusiasts as "Ski Bonkers."

Einar also had a lifelong passion for fishing and the sea, inspired over those college summers spent fishing in Alaska. With his extended family and business partners he built several successful fishing companies and advocated for the interests of Pacific Fishermen.

A proud Norwegian-American with an ever-present lapel pin declaring it, Einar honored his heritage and community by giving generously for decades to educational foundations, candidates, Lutheran churches and youth organizations. He was a member of the Nordic Heritage Museum since 1997 and served on its Board of Trustees for 15 years, where he was a visionary leader and benefactor for the development of the new museum to be completed in Ballard in 2018.

In his free time, Einar enjoyed golfing and loved playing racquetball with his buddies at Harbor Square Athletic Club and treasured those friendships. He was an enthusiastic supporter and season ticket holder for the Huskies, Sonics, Mariners, and Seahawks, and later, enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their activities. He never wanted to miss a game, meet, match or concert. He loved all the moments in the past year having his youngest granddaughter, Sigrid snuggling on his lap. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and closest friends, in particular in Maui, Sun Valley, Whistler, Sun Peaks and Lake Goodwin, as well as traveling to visit extended family on many trips to Norway.

Einar is survived by his wife of 49 years, Emma M. Pedersen and his son Einar K. Pedersen (wife Stacey Pedersen, grandchildren Einar C. Pedersen and Lilly Anna Pedersen) son, Eric C. Pedersen, and daughter, Annelise M. Pedersen (husband Randy Allmon, granddaughter Sigrid M. Pedersen), his sister Susan (Pedersen) Hanson (brother-in-law Jon Hanson), brothers and sisters-in-law Sid and Hilda Green and Dick and Shirley Milton, and several loved and admired nieces, nephews, and cousins. Einar was preceded in death by his parents Einar & Herbjorg Pedersen, brother Mark Pedersen, and sister Ingrid Pedersen.

Einar will be deeply missed. He was truly "unforgettable."

A celebration of his life will be held on January 7, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach, 18354 8th Ave NW, Shoreline, Washington where he was a member for over 30 years.

The family would like to thank Nadine Hoekman for the loving care she provided Einar at his home before he was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Remembrances can be made to First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach or Nordic Heritage Museum.